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DEC  2 8 2006 


OF 

ARY 


VIPAIGN 

KS 


Christian  Work 

For  Men  and  Boys 


& outline!)  bp 
Jf  eberal  Council  of 
the  Churthes  of 
Christ  in  America, 
g-pllabus  preSenteb 
at  ®he  Christian  Conserba- 
tion  Congress  of  the  iHen  anb 
^Religion  Jf  ortoarb  Jllobement, 
Carnegie  Hall,  iSeto  gorfe 
Citp,  Spril  19-24,  1912 


^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 


UNIVERSITY  OF 
ILLINOIS  LIBRARY 
AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 
BOOKSTACKS 


Christian  Work 

For  Men  and  Boys 


& outlineb  bp  ®be 
Jfeberal  Council  of 
tfje  Churches  of 
Christ  in  America. 
£§>pllabus  preSenteb 
at  ®he  Christian  Constella- 
tion Congress  of  the  ifflen  anti 
Religion  Jfor toarb  jfflobement, 
Carnegie  Hall,  Jleto  gorfe 
Citp,  Slprtl  19-24,  1912  £•> 


^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 


Jfttaral  Council  of  tfje  Cijurcljes  of  Cljriot 
in  America 

E.  R.  Hendrix*  D.D.,  President 
William  H.  Roberts,  D.D., 

Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee 
E.  B.  Sanford,  D.D.,  Corresponding  Secretary 
Alfred  R.  Kimball,  Treasurer 
Rev.  Charles  S.  Macfarland,  Ph.D., 

Acting  Executive  Secretary  of  the  Council , 
and  Secretary  of  the  Commission  on  the 
Church  and  Social  Service 
Rev.  Frederick  Lynch, 

Secretary  of  the  Commission  on  Peace  and 
Arbitration 

©fje  Commission  on  tfte  Cimrcf)  ant>  Social 
Service 

Frank  Mason  North,  D.D.,  Chairman 
Charles  S.  Macfarland,  Secretary 
Caroline  W.  Chase,  Assistant  to  the  Secretary 

Secretarial  Cabinet 

Chairman,  the  Secretary  of  the  Commission 
Rev.  Henry  A.  Atkinson 
Professor  Samuel  Z.  Batten,  D.D. 

Rev.  Frank  M.  Crouch 
>\.ic  Rev.  Charles  Stelzle 
Rev.  Harry  F.  Ward 
Rev.  Warren  H.  Wilson,  Ph.D. 

Rational  ©Ificesf,  16U  Clarentam  ISuilbing,  215  Jfourtfj  Sfafnue 
ileto  gorfe 


w 


m /fee.  h 


g>pUatius 


2To  Uccompanp  tfje  3t>t>reSS  before  tfje  Consetbation 
Congress,  Jftibap,  Spill  19.  1912 


J5p  3&eb.  Cfjarltg  g>.  JUacfadanb,  JMj.ZD. 


1.  HISTORICAL  SKETCH 

There  are  three  ideals  or  forms  of  church  unity.  The  first  is  repre- 
sented by  the  hierarchy  at  Rome.  The  second,  which  looks  toward  unity 
of  thought  and  form  of  administration,  is  represented  by  the  proposed 
Conference  on  Faith  and  Order. 

The  third  does  not  enter  into  the  question  of  faith  .gnd  order,  but, 
under  the  principle  of  unity  with  diversity,  holds  to  the  federal  concep- 
tion as  contrasted  with  ecclesiastical  uniformity,  seeking  to  unite  in  com- 
mon service  all  forms  of  faith  and  order  under  the  Lordship  of  the 
same  Master,  Jesus  Christ.  It  is  represented  by  the  Federal  Council 
and  its  spirit  and  ideal  have  found  expression  in  the  Men  and  Religion 
Forward  Movement. 

At  Philadelphia,  November  12,  1895,  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
Open  and  Institutional  Church  League,  the  secretary  of  that  organi- 
zation, Rev.  E.  B.  Sanford,  D.D.,  in  an  address  calling  upon  the 
. churches  for  social  service,  gave  prophetic  utterance  of  the  call  for 
Christian  unity  as  a sovereign  necessity  in  the  work  of  the  League. 
At  the  same  time,  the  New  York  City  Federation  of  Churches  was 
organized,  the  two  institutions  being  supported  by  the  same  group  of 
men.  Thus  local  federation  at  the  bottom  and  national  federation  at 
the  top  were  simultaneous  and  co-ordinate. 

— Ty  these  Joint  Committees,  under  the  guidance  of  Dr.  Sanford,  there 
was  called  in  New  York  in  1900,  a delegated  meeting  which  authorized 
the  action  that  brought  about  in  Philadelphia,  the  next  year,  a National 
J Federation  of  Churches,  whose  membership  was  composed  of  representa- 
tives of  local  churches  and  federations.  The  Executive  Committee  of  the 
..meeting  in  1900  sent  forth  an  utterance  asking  the  question,  “May  we 
'Onot  also  look  forward  to  a National  Federation  of  all  our  Protestant 
Christian  denominations,  through  their  official  heads,  which  shall  utter 
a declaration  of  Christian  unity  and  accomplish  in  good  part  the  fulfill- 
* ment  of  the  prayer  of  our  Lord,  ‘that  they  all  may  be  one,  that  the 
world  may  know  that  Thou  hast  sent  me.’  ” 

1 


At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  National  Federation  in  Washington, 
in  1902,  a Committee  of  Correspondence  was  authorized  to  request  the 
highest  ecclesiastical  or  advisory  bodies  of  the  evangelical  denominations 
to  appoint  representative  delegates  to  a Conference  to  be  held  in  1905. 
This  Conference  at  New  York  adopted  the  Constitution  of  the  Federal 
Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  which,  after  ratification 
by  the  constituent  bodies  in  its  fellowship,  brought  about  the  final  and 
complete  organization  of  the  Federal  Council  at  Philadelphia  in  1908. 
This,  in  brief,  is  the  story  of  the  great  historic  achievement  of  a con- 
stitutional federation  binding  together  the  larger  part  of  the  Protestant 
church-life  of  the  United  States,  with  a constituency  which  in  com- 
municant membership  and  family  relations  represents  something  like 
50,000,000  of  the  people. 

It  is  especially  to  be  noted  that  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches 
of  Christ  in  America  is  not  simply  an  interdenominational  fellowship. 
It  is  an  official,  organized  instrumentality,  just  as  organized  in  its  consti- 
tution as  the  denominations  themselves,  through  which  the  churches  of 
the  nation  which  hold  to  evangelical  Christianity,  may  manifest  to  the 
world  not  only  their  mutual  sympathy,  but  their  essential  unity  in  work- 
ing together  in  matters  of  common  concern.  It  is  not  simply  a voluntary 
agency  of  the  church.  It  is  the  church  itself. 

Quietly,  but  effectively,  the  Federal  Council  has  voiced  the  convic- 
tions of  the  churches  on  social  and  industrial  questions,  international 
peace  and  arbitration,  separation  of  Church  and  State,  and  in  so  doing 
those  in  high  places  of  official  authority  in  the  nation  have  learned  that 
the  Protestant  churches  are  moving  together. 

While  the  Federal  Council  is  thus  a great  ideal  of  Church  Unity,  it 
is  also  an  ideal  which  is  taking  shape  in  realization.  It  will  soon  have 
passed  its  experimental  stages,  and  is  rapidly  assuming  readiness  for 
those  tasks  and  opportunities  which  can  only  be  met  by  united  action. 

It  has  not  proceeded  by  the  processes  of  reduction.  Its  work  has 
been  constructive.  It  has  not  divided ; it  has  united.  Indeed,  denomina- 
tional values  have  not  been  reduced,  but  rather  increased  through  all 
the  common  movements.  Denominationalism  has  only  been  removed 
so  far  as  it  was  a hindrance  to  united  and  effective  action.  The  motto 
has  been,  “Not  to  destroy,  but  to  fulfill.” 

While  Christian  unity  as  a sentiment  in  the  life  of  the  nation  has 
sought  expression  in  many  forms  and  utterances,  it  may  be  said  that  its 
practical  and  official  achievement  has  been  in  and  through  the  Federal 
Council.  2 


Guided  by  the  initiative  influence  and  aid  of  the  National  offices, 
twenty- two  State  Federations  and  over  fifty  City  and  other  local 
Federations  have  been  organized,  many  of  which  are  already  doing  effec- 
tive work,  and  many  others  of  which  are  in  a process  of  reasonable  de- 
velopment. In  addition  to  these,  something  like  one  hundred  and  fifty 
Federations  of  various  forms  are  working  toward  a larger  ideal  and  its 
completer  fulfillment. 

The  standing  Committees  of  the  Council  sustain  increasingly  helpful 
relations  with  all  the  missionary  and  interdenominational  organizations 
supported  by  the  churches  in  its  fellowship,  and  its  federative  work, 
especially  in  relation  to  Home  Missions,  is  a marked  example  of  the 
ways  in  which  its  own  particular  mission  becomes  a part  of  the  mission 
of  each  and  every  denominational  body  in  its  constituency. 

The  Council  now  consists  of  thirty-one  of  the  national  denominations 
and  church  bodies,  through  delegates  officially  appointed  by  the  authority 
of  the  highest  ecclesiastical  judicatories  of  those  bodies.  In  meeting 
their  apportionment  of  expenses  and  co-operating  in  common  work, 
evidence  has  been  given  of  increasing  interest  and  loyalty  to  the  com- 
mon cause  and  the  desire  for  united  service. 

In  many  ways,  the  Men  and  Religion  Forward  Movement  has  made 
another  epoch  in  the  life  of  the  Federal  Council  and,  as  will  be  set 
forth  in  the  following  plans,  has  greatly  increased  its  opportunities  for 
usefulness. 

2.  CHURCH  FEDERATION 

The  mission  of  the  Federal  Council  is,  in  part,  as  follows: 

1.  That  of  expressing  the  common  consciousness  of  the  united  churches 
upon  matters  of  mutual  and  public  interest,  and  of  rendering  such  ser- 
vice to  the  nation  and  to  the  world  as  may  be  performed  by  the  churches 
through  common  and  united  action. 

2.  That  of  co-ordinating  and  correlating  the  work  of  the  various 
denominations,  especially  in  those  matters  in  which  unity  of  action  is 
called  for  by  the  mutual  interests  involved;  the  distribution  of  effort, 
and  the  prevention  of  duplication,  in  covering  the  whole  ground  of 
service. 

3.  That  of  inspiring  the  formation  of  State,  County,  City,  Town,  or 

other  local  federations  of  churches,  of  guiding  in  their  development  and 
serving  as  a clearing-house,  so  that  each  may  help  all  and  the  impor- 
tant experiences  which  are  common  to  all,  be  placed  at  the  disposal  of 
each.  3 


4.  That  of  co-ordinating  the  work  of  these  various  local  federations  in 
their  common  interests  and  tasks,  so  that  towns,  cities  and  states  may 
work  together  co-operatively  and  effectively. 

3.  THE  CONSERVATION  OF  THE  MEN  AND  RELIGION 
FORWARD  MOVEMENT 

Through  Federation 

Various  fragmentary  and  unrelated  forms  of  federation  have  been 
proposed  for  conservation,  but  surely  the  bringing  together  of  the  churches 
themselves  should  promise  the  greatest  effectiveness.  Otherwise  we  shall 
have  a multiplicity  of  federations,  which,  in  turn,  will  have  to  be 
federated. 

The  Federal  Council  is  gathering  together  and  studying  the  plans 
under  way  in  the  various  cities,  and  finds  that  they  are  all  practically 
adopting,  or  looking  towards,  a permanent  local  federation  of  the 
churches.  The  task  of  the  moment  is  that  of  adapting  the  Men  and 
Religion  Forward  Movement  to  the  organization  of  such  federations, 
or  adjustment  to  federations  already  in  existence. 

While  the  Federal  Council  has  no  organic  connection  with  local 
federations  (its  constituency  being  made  up  of  the  national  denomina- 
tions), it  invites  such  federations  to  become  affiliated  with  and  to  act  in 
co-operation  with  the  national  organization. 

Local  federations,  unions,  or  committees  should  assume  this  relation- 
ship in  an  interest  which  is  mutual,  so  that  all  of  these  federations  may 
feel  their  unity  and,  through  the  Federal  Council,  the  possessions  of 
each  may  become  common  to  all. 

So  far  as  time  permits,  Dr.  Macfarland,  acting  as  Executive  Secretary, 
and  the  other  officers  of  the  Council,  will  continue  to  visit  and  consult 
with  local  bodies,  as  they  have  been  doing  during  the  campaign,  in  the 
hope  of  ultimately  reaching  all  sections  of  the  country.  Correspondence  is 
invited  regarding  the  organization,  the  policy  and  the  continued  work  of 
the  federations  of  churches.  They  will  continue  to  respond,  so  far  as 
possible,  to  invitations  to  meet  ministers’  unions  and  local  committees 
in  all  these  interests. 

While  the  local  needs  and  constituencies  call  for  some  variation,  the 
following  are  suggested  as  Model  Constitutions  for  States,  Counties 
and  Cities,  as  they  have  been  found  readily  adjustable  to  such  local 
situations. 


4 


MODEL  CONSTITUTION  FOR  A STATE  FEDERATION 

OF  CHURCHES 

Note. — The  relation  between  the  State  Federations  and  the  Federal 
Council  is  of  a purely  voluntary  and  co-operative  nature,  as  the  Federal 
Council  consists  of  delegated  representatives  appointed  by  the  national 
denominational  or  church  bodies.  In  the  interest  of  the  spirit  of  unity 
and  effective  co-operation,  it  is  deemed  appropriate  that  the  State  Federa- 
tions should  give  expression  to  their  appropriate  relation  to  the  Federal 
Council  in  some  such  way  as  follows: 

Relation  to  the  Federal  Council 

The  Constitution  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ 
in  America,  organized  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.',  in  December,  1908,  is 
hereby  recognized,  subject  to  the  superior  authority  of  the  respective 
supervising  Synods,  Conferences,  Conventions,  Dioceses,  Associations 
and  other  superior  Church  bodies,  as  the  basis  of  this  State  Federation 
of  Churches,  in  co-operation  with  the  said  Federal  Council,  including 
the  following  principles  as  expressed  in  the  Preamble  and  Plan  of  Fed- 
eration of  the  Federal  Council,  to  wit: 

“In  the  providence  of  God,  the  time  has  come  more  fully  to  manifest 
the  essential  oneness  of  the  Christian  Churches  of  America  in  Jesus 
Christ  as  their  Divine  Lord  and  Saviour,  and  to  promote  the  spirit  of 
fellowship,  service  and  co-operation  among  them.” 

Plan  of  Federation 

“To  express  the  fellowship  and  catholic  unity  of  the  Christian  Church. 

“To  bring  the  Christian  bodies  of  America  into  united  service  for 
Christ  and  the  world. 

“To  encourage  devotional  fellowship  and  mutual  counsel  concerning 
the  spiritual  life  and  religious  activities  of  the  churches. 

“To  secure  a larger  and  combined  influence  for  the  churches  of  Christ 
in  all  matters  affecting  the  moral  and  social  condition  of  the  people,  so 
as  to  promote  the  application  of  the  law  of  Christ  to  every  relation  of 
human  life. 

“To  assist  in  the  organization  of  local  federations  and  to  promote  the 
aims  of  the  Federal  Council  in  their  communities.” 

This  relation  with  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ 
in  America  shall  be  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  co-operation  and  annual 
reports  shall  be  sent  to  the  Federal  Council. 

5 


CONSTITUTION 


ARTICLE  I 

NAME 

Section  1.  The  name  shall  be  The Federation  of  Churches. 

ARTICLE  II 

OBJECT 

Section  1.  The  object  of  this  Federation  shall  be  (1)  to  realize 

for  the  State  of the  general  aims  of  the  Constitution,  and 

(2)  more  particularly  to  foster  religious  movements;  to  promote  the 
spirit  of  comity  and  co-operation  among  all  our  churches;  to  advance 
the  charities  of  the  community;  to  safeguard  the  welfare  of  children;  to 
encourage  the  feeling  of  mutual  helpfulness  among  all  parts  of  society, 
especially  in  industry;  to  protect  the  interests  of  the  Sabbath,  temper- 
ance, good  citizenship,  social  purity,  and  law  and  order;  and  other 
objects  pertaining  to  local  betterment. 

ARTICLE  III 

MEMBERSHIP 

Section  1.  This  Federation  shall  be  composed  of  those  churches  in 
the  State  of that  shall  by  vote  of  their  supervising  State  De- 

nominational Body,  as  nearly  as  the  same  may  be  coterminous  with  the 
State,  or  in  the  absence  of  such  vote  of  such  superior  body,  then  by 
their  own  individual  vote,  according  to  their  respective  authorized 
methods,  agree  to  abide  by  the  Constitution  of  this  Federation,  and 
shall  duly  certify  in  writing  such  action  of  the  Council. 

Section  2.  Any  number  of  churches  in  the  Federation  that  are  in  a 
contiguous  relation  may,  by  action  of  the  Council,  be  constituted  a local 
branch  of  the  Federation  for  the  purposes  of  more  effective  neighbor- 
hood work,  but  shall  still  be  responsible  constituent  members  of  the 
Federation. 


6 


Section  3.  Any  church  body  as  aforesaid  may  at  any  time  with- 
draw from  the  Federation,  provided  it  shall  take  a vote  to  that  effect 
according  to  its  authorized  methods,  and  duly  certify  in  writing  such 
action  to  the  Council. 

Section  4.  If  any  church  in  the  Federation  shall  be  unwilling  to 
co-operate  in  any  movement  determined  upon  by  the  Council,  it  shall 
be  excused  therefrom,  upon  its  request  to  that  effect  duly  presented  to 
the  Council. 


ARTICLE  IV 

COUNCIL 

Section  1.  There  shall  be  a Council  to  be  known  as  the  State 

Council  of  the  Federation  of  Churches,  for  the  purpose  of 

representing  the  churches  federated  and  to  carry  on  the  work  of  the 
Federation,  which  Council  shall  be  composed  of  an  equal  number  of 
ministerial  and  lay  delegates,  chosen  by  the  various  aforesaid  State 
Denominational  Bodies  federated,  in  such  a way  that  there  shall  be  one 
minister  and  one  lay  delegate  to  each  denomination  of  churches  fed- 
erated for  every thousand  of  its  communicants,  or  major  frac- 

tion thereof,  in  the  State,  provided  that  each  denomination  of  churches 
federated  shall  be  entitled  to  at  least  one  ministerial  and  one  lay  dele- 
gate, including  the  Denominational  Vice-President,  the  said  delegates 
to  be  chosen,  if  possible,  to  serve  in  rotating  classes  and  at  the  pleasure 
of  the  appointing  church  body;  the  Council  to  include  also  the  officers 
of  the  Federation  and  the  chairman  of  the  Standing  Committees,  and 
any  other  person  in  a representative  capacity,  elected  by  a two-thirds 
vote  at  any  meeting  of  the  Council.  It  shall  also  be  competent  for  the 
Council  to  admit  to  its  meetings,  by  a two-thirds  vote,  any  person  as 
a corresponding  member,  with  the  right  to  debate  but  not  the  right 
to  vote. 

Section  2.  The  Council  shall  hold  its  annual  meeting  on  the  

of , and  other  regular  meetings  at  its  discretion.  At  such  meet- 

ings the  following  shall  be  the  order  of  business,  to  wit:  Prayer,  roll- 
call,  minutes,  report  of  the  Treasurer,  unfinished  business,  communica- 
tions, report  of  the  Corresponding  or  Executive  Secretary,  reports  of 
standing  committees,  reports  of  special  committees,  election  of  officers 
(if  the  meeting  be  the  annual  meeting),  miscellaneous  business.  The 
hour  and  place  of  all  meetings,  together  with  any«necessary  change  of 

7 


date,  shall  be  fixed  by  the  President  and  the  Corresponding  or  Execu- 
tive Secretary. 

Section  3.  A special  meeting  of  the  Council  or  of  the  Federation 
may  be  jointly  called  by  the  President  and  the  Corresponding  or  Execu- 
tive Secretary  at  their  discretion,  and  the  President  shall  always  call  a 
special  meeting  when  requested  in  writing  so  to  do  by  any  five  members 
of  the  Council,  representing  at  least  two  denominations.  The  business 
of  such  meeting  shall  be  limited  to  the  matters  mentioned  in  the  call. 

ARTICLE  V 

OFFICERS 

Section  1.  The  officers  of  the  Federation  and  of  the  Council  shall 
be  a President,  and  two  or  more  Vice-Presidents,  a Recording  Secre- 
tary, a Corresponding  or  Executive  Secretary,  a Treasurer,  and  such 
other  officers  as  shall  be  found  to  be  necessary  by  the  Council;  all 
which  officers  shall  be  elected  by  the  Council  at  its  annual  meeting,  and 
shall  serve  until  the  next  annual  meeting  after  their  election,  and  until 
their  successors  shall  be  elected. 

Section  2.  The  President,  or  in  his  absence  one  of  the  Vice-Presi- 
dents, shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  Federation  and  of  the  Coun- 
cil. He  shall  appoint  all  committees  not  otherwise  provided  for,  and 
shall  be  ex-officio  a member  of  all  committees,  except  where  otherwise 
provided  by  the  Council. 

Section  3.  The  Vice-Presidents  shall  be  so  chosen  that  there  shall 
be  one  for  each  of  the  denominations  federated.  They  shall  be  expected 
not  only  to  represent  their  respective  denominations,  but  also  to  be  a 
means  of  reaching  them  and  increasing  their  interest  in  the  work  of  the 
Federation.  They  may  also,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Council,  be  called 
upon  to  assist  the  Finance  Committee. 

Section  4.  The  Recording  Secretary  shall  keep  the  minutes  of  all 
meetings  of  the  Council  and  .of  the  Federation,  and  shall  attend  to  all 
other  matters  pertaining  to  the  care  of  records.  He  may  also,  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Council,  be  appointed  Recording  Secretary  of  the  Ex- 
ecutive Committee. 

Section  5.  The  Corresponding  or  Executive  Secretary  shall  conduct 
the  correspondence  of  the  Council  and  attend  to  general  affairs  as  the 
Council  shall  determine. 


8 


Section  6.  The  Treasurer  shall  receive  all  offerings  from  the 
churches  and  from  other  parties,  giving  receipts  therefor;  shall,  under 

his  official  title  as  “Treasurer  of  the Federation  of  Churches,” 

deposit  and  keep  all  such  moneys  in  a convenient  bank,  and  pay  out  the 
same  upon  properly  certified  orders,  as  hereinafter  provided,  and  shall 
make  a detailed  report  of  all  such  matters  to  the  Council  at  its  regular 
meetings  and  whenever  requested  by  it  so  to  do. 

Section  7.  The  Recording  Secretary  and  the  Treasurer  shall  each 
keep  their  records  and  accounts  in  permanent  form  in  suitable  books, 
which  shall  be  the  property  of  the  Council,  and  be  turned  over  on  de- 
mand to  their  successors  in  office. 

ARTICLE  VI 

COMMITTEES 

Section  1.  For  the  purpose  of  facilitating  the  work  of  the  Federa- 
tion, the  Council  shall  appoint,  or  failing  such  appointment  the  Presi- 
dent shall  appoint,  from  the  membership  of  the  Council  or  from  the 
membership  of  the  churches  federated,  or  from  both,  the  following 
Standing  Committees,  having  due  regard  to  representation  of  the  de- 
nominations federated,  which  committees  shall  be  composed  of  such  num- 
ber, and  be  correlated  in  such  way,  as  the  Council  shall  determine,  and, 
subject  always  to  the  supervisory  authority  of  the  Council,  shall  have 
the  powers  hereinafter  mentioned,  to  wit: 

( 1 ) An  Executive  Committee : Charge  of  matters  pertaining  to 
membership,  the  organization  of  local  Federations  in  the  counties,  cities 
and  other  localities  of  the  State;  business  of  a general  character,  and 
other  matters  not  specifically  assigned  to  other  committees,  and  any 
matter  of  emergency  needing  to  be  attended  to  during  the  interval  of 
the  meetings  of  the  Council.  The  committee  shall  consist  of  the  officers 
of  the  Federation,  the  chairmen  of  the  standing  committees  and  such 
other  persons  as  the  Council  shall  determine. 

(2)  A Comity  and  Home  Missions  Committee. 

(3)  A Sabbath  Observance  Committee. 

(4)  A Temperance  Committee. 

(5)  A Social  Purity  Committee. 

(6)  A Foreign  Missions  Committee. 

(7)  A Social  Service  Committee  whose  duties  shall  be  those  com- 
monly included  in  the  work  known  by  that  term. 

9 


(8)  A Finance  Committee. 

(9)  A Nominating  Committee  of  five  members  of  at  least  two 
denominations,  to  propose  to  the  Council  the  names  of  persons,  suitable 
for  officers,  from  which  names,  together  with  any  others  duly  proposed 
at  the  meeting,  the  officers  shall  be  elected;  also  to  fill  any  vacancies 
until  the  next  meeting  of  the  Council. 

Section  2.  Other  Committees  may  be  appointed  by  the  Council  at 
its  discretion. 

Section  3.  The  terms  of  the  members  of  all  Committees  shall  ex- 
pire at  the  close  of  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Council  next  ensuing 
their  appointment. 


ARTICLE  VII 

FINANCES 

Section  1.  The  Council  shall  at  its  annual  meeting  and  from  time 
to  time  thereafter  as  it  may  deem  expedient,  determine  how  the  funds 
for  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  Federation  shall  be  provided  for;  and 
shall  have  authority  to  appeal  for  funds  to  benevolent  individuals  and 
churches  on  behalf  of  the  Federation  and  the  Council;  and  shall  fix  the 
appropriations  for  the  work ; which  shall  not  be  changed  nor  overdrawn 
except  by  authority  of  the  Council. 

Section  2.  No  bill  contracted  by  any  committee  shall  be  paid  by  the 
Treasurer  unless  it  shall  first  be  approved  in  writing  by  the  chairman 
of  such  committee.  All  other  bills  shall,  before  payment,  be  approved 
in  writing  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Finance  Committee. 

ARTICLE  VIII 

QUORUM 

Section  1.  A quorum  at  any  meeting  of  the  Council  shall  consist 
of  seven  members,  representing  at  least  two  of  the  denominations  fed- 
erated, and  at  any  meeting  of  a Committee,  a majority  of  its  members, 
but  if  any  committee  shall  consist  of  more  than  nine  members,  the 
quorum  shall  be  five. 

ARTICLE  IX 

ELECTIONS 

Section  1.  All  elections  shall  be  by  ballot. 

10 


ARTICLE  X 


AMENDMENT 

Section  1.  This  Constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  meeting  of 
the  Council  by  a two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present,  provided  that 
due  notice  of  any  proposed  amendment  shall  have  been  given  in  writing 
at  a preceding  meeting  of  the  Council,  or  shall,  upon  the  request  of  any 
five  members  of  the  Council,  representing  at  least  two  denominations, 
have  been  inserted  in  the  notice  of  the  meeting  at  which  the  amendment 
is  to  be  acted  upon. 


MODEL  CONSTITUTION  FOR  A FEDERATION  OF 
CHURCHES  OF  A COUNTY  OR  CITY 

Relation  to  Federal  Council 
( See  note  at  top  of  page  5) 

Section  1.  The  Constitution  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the 
Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  organized  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  in 
December,  1908,  is  hereby  recognized,  subject  to  the  superior  authority 
of  the  respective  supervising  Synods,  Conferences,  Conventions,  Dioceses, 
Associations  and  other  superior  Church  bodies,  as  the  basis  of  this 

Federation  of  Churches  in  co-operation  with  the  said  Federal 

Council,  including  the  following  principles  as  expressed  in  the  Preamble 
and  Plan  of  Federation  of  the  Federal  Council,  to  wit: 

“In  the  providence  of  God,  the  time  has  come  more  fully  to  manifest 
the  essential  oneness  of  the  Christian  Churches  of  America  in  Jesus 
Christ  as  their  Divine  Lord  and  Saviour,  and  to  promote  the  spirit  of 
fellowship,  service  and  co-operation  among  them.” 

Plan  of  Federation 

“To  express  the  fellowship  and  catholic  unity  of  the  Christian  Church. 

“To  bring  the  Christian  bodies  of  America  into  united  service  for 
Christ  and  the  world. 

“To  encourage  devotional  fellowship  and  mutual  counsel  concerning 
the  spiritual  life  and  religious  activities  of  the  churches. 

“To  secure  a larger  and  combined  influence  for  the  churches  of  Christ 
in  all  matters  affecting  the  moral  and  social  condition  of  the  people, 
so  as  to  promote  the  application  of  the  law  of  Christ  to  every  relation  of 
human  life. 


11 


“To  assist  in  the  organization  of  local  federations  and  to  promote  the 
aims  of  the  Federal  Council  in  their  communities.” 

This  advisory  and  co-operative  relation  with  the  Federal  Council 
of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America  shall  be  for  the  purpose  of  effect- 
ing co-operation  and  annual  reports  shall  be  sent  to  the  Federal  Council. 

This  Federation  may  also  be  associated  with  the  State  Federation  of 
Churches,  if  one  exists. 


CONSTITUTION 


ARTICLE  I 

NAME 

Section  1.  The  name  shall  be  The Federation  of  Churches. 

ARTICLE  II 

OBJECT 

Section  1.  The  object  of  this  Federation  shall  be  (1)  to  realize 
the  general  aims  of  the  Constitution,  and  (2)  more  particularly  to  foster 
religious  movements;  to  promote  the  spirit  of  comity  and  co-operation 
among  all  our  churches;  to  advance  the  charities  of  the  community; 
to  safeguard  the  welfare  of  children ; to  encourage  the  feeling  of  mutual 
helpfulness  among  all  parts  of  society,  especially  in  industry;  to  pro- 
tect the  interests  of  the  Sabbath,  temperance,  good  citizenship,  social 
purity,  and  law  and  order;  and  to  secure  other  objects  pertaining  to  local 
betterment. 

ARTICLE  III 

MEMBERSHIP 

Section  1.  This  Federation  shall  be  composed  of  those  churches 

in that  shall  by  vote,  according  to  their  respective  authorized 

methods,  agree  to  abide  by  the  Constitution  of  this  Federation,  and 
shall  duly  certify  in  writing  such  action  to  the  Council. 

Section  2.  Any  number  of  churches  in  the  Federation  that  are  in 
a contiguous  relation  may,  by  action  of  the  Council,  be  constituted  a 
local  branch  of  the  Federation  for  the  purposes  of  more  effective  neigh- 
borhood work,  but  shall  still  be  responsible  constituent  members  of  the 
Federation. 


12 


Section  3.  Any  church  may  at  any  time  withdraw  from  the  Fed- 
eration, provided  it  shall  take  a vote  to  that  effect  according  to  its 
authorized  methods,  and  duly  certify  in  writing  such  action  to  the 
Council. 

Section  4.  If  any  church  in  the  Federation  shall  be  unwilling  to 
co-operate  in  any  movement  determined  upon  by  the  Council,  it  shall 
be  excused  therefrom,  upon  its  request  to  that  effect  duly  presented  to 
the  Council. 


ARTICLE  IV 

COUNCIL 

Section  1.  There  shall  be  a Council  to  be  known  as  the  Council 
of  The  Federation  of  Churches,  for  the  purpose  of  represent- 

ing the  churches  federated  and  of  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  Federa- 
tion, which  Council  shall  be  composed  of  the  pastor  of  each  church  in 
the  Federation,  and  a lay  male  member  thereof,  duly  chosen  to  serve 
during  its  pleasure,  and  being,  if  possible,  connected  with  a Men’s 
Society  in  such  church,  together  with  the  officers  of  the  Federation,  and 
the  chairmen  of  the  Standing  Committees,  and  any  other  person  in  a 
representative  capacity,  elected  by  a two-thirds  vote  at  any  meeting 
of  the  Council.  It  shall  also  be  competent  for  the  Council  to  admit 
to  its  meetings,  by  a two-thirds  vote,  any  person  as  a corresponding 
member,  with  the  right  to  debate  but  not  the  right  to  vote. 

Section  2.  The  Council  shall  hold  its  annual  meeting  on  the  fourth 
Monday  of  September,  and  its  regular  quarterly  meetings  on  the  fourth 
Monday  of  November,  February  and  May,  and  other  regular  meetings 
at  its  discretion.  At  such  meetings  the  following  shall  be  the  order  of 
business,  to  wit:  Prayer,  roll-call,  minutes,  unfinished  business,  report 
of  the  Treasurer,  communications,  report  of  the  Corresponding  or  Ex- 
ecutive Secretary,  reports  of  standing  committees,  reports  of  special 
committees,  election  of  officers  (if  the  meeting  be  the  annual  meeting), 
miscellaneous  business.  The  hour  and  place  of  all  meetings,  together 
with  any  necessary  change  of  date,  shall  be  fixed  by  the  President  in 
conference  with  the  Corresponding  or  Executive  Secretary. 

Section  3.  A special  meeting  of  the  Council  or  of  the  Federation 
may  be  jointly  called  by  the  President  and  the  Corresponding  or  Execu- 
tive Secretary  at  their  discretion,  and  the  President  shall  always  call 
a special  meeting  when  requested  in  writing  so  to  do  by  any  five  members 

13 


of  the  Council,  representing  at  least  three  denominations.  The  busi- 
ness of  such  meeting  shall  be  limited  to  the  matters  mentioned  in  the  call. 

ARTICLE  V 

OFFICERS 

Section  1.  The  officers  of  the  Federation  and  of  the  Council  shall 
be  a President,  two  or  more  Vice-Presidents,  a Recording  Secretary,  a 
Corresponding  or  Executive  Secretary,  a Treasurer,  and  such  other 
officers  as  shall  be  found  to  be  necessary  by  the  Council ; all  which  officers 
shall  be  elected  by  the  Council  at  its  annual  meeting,  and  shall  serve 
until  the  next  annual  meeting  after  their  election,  and  until  their  suc- 
cessors shall  be  elected. 

Section  2.  The  President,  or  in  his  absence  one  of  the  Vice-Presi- 
dents, shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  Federation  and  of  the  Council. 
He  shall  appoint  all  committees  not  otherwise  provided  for,  and  shall 
be  ex-officio  a member  of  all  committees,  except  where  otherwise  pro- 
vided by  the  Council. 

Section  3.  The  Vice-Presidents  shall  be  so  chosen  that  there  shall 
be  one  for  each  of  the  denominations  federated.  They  shall  be  ex- 
pected not  only  to  represent  their  respective  denominations,  but  also  to 
be  a means  of  reaching  them  and  increasing  their  interest  in  the  work 
of  the  Federation.  They  may,  also,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Council,  be 
called  upon  to  assist  the  Finance  Committee. 

Section  4.  The  Recording  Secretary  shall  keep  the  minutes  of  all 
meetings  of  the  Council  and  of  the  Federation,  and  shall  attend  to  other 
matters  pertaining  to  notice  of  meetings,  notification  of  appointments 
and  care  of  records.  He  may  also,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Council,  be 
appointed  Recording  Secretary  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

Section  5.  The  Corresponding  or  Executive  Secretary  shall  conduct 
the  correspondence  of  the  Council,  and  attend  to  general  affairs  as  the 
Council  shall  determine. 

Section  6.  The  Treasurer  shall  receive  all  offerings  from  the 
churches  and  from  other  parties,  giving  receipts  therefor;  shall,  under 

his  official  title  as  “Treasurer  of  the Federation  of  Churches,” 

deposit  and  keep  all  such  moneys  in  a convenient  bank,  and  pay  out  the 
same  upon  properly  certified  orders,  as  hereinafter  provided,  and  shall 
make  a detailed  report  of  all  such  matters  to  the  Council  at  its  regular 
meetings  and  whenever  requested  by  it  so  to  do. 

Section  7.  The  Recording  Secretary  and  the  Treasurer  shall  each 

14 


keep  their  records  and  accounts  in  permanent  form  in  suitable  books, 
which  shall  be  the  property  of  the  Council,  and  be  turned  over  on  de- 
mand to  their  successors  in  office. 

ARTICLE  VI 

COMMITTEES 

Section  1.  For  the  purpose  of  facilitating  the  work  of  the  Federa- 
tion, the  Council  shall  appoint,  or  failing  such  appointment,  the  Presi- 
dent shall  appoint,  from  the  membership  of  the  Council  or  from  the 
membership  of  the  churches  federated  or  from  both,  the  following 
Standing  Committees,  having  due  regard  to  representation  of  the  de- 
nominations federated,  which  committees  shall  be  composed  of  such 
numbers,  as  the  Council  shall  determine,  and,  subject  always  to  the 
supervisory  authority  of  the  Council,  shall  have  the  powers  hereinafter 
mentioned,  to  wit: 

( 1 ) An  Executive  Committee : Charge  of  matters  pertaining  to  mem- 
bership; the  organization  of  any  needed  local  branches  of  the  Federa- 
tion ; business  of  a general  character,  and  other  matters  not  specifically 
assigned  to  other  committees,  and  any  matter  of  emergency  needing  to 
be  attended  to  during  the  interval  of  the  meetings  of  the  Council.  The 
committee  shall  consist  of  the  officers  of  the  Federation,  and  the  chair- 
men of  the  standing  committees  and  such  other  persons  as  the  Council 
shall  determine. 

(2)  A Comity  and  Home  Missions  Committee. 

(3)  A Sabbath  Observance  Committee. 

(4)  A Temperance  Committee. 

( 5 ) A Social  Purity  Committee. 

(6)  A Foreign  Missions  Committee. 

(7)  A Social  Service  Committee  whose  duties  shall  be  those  com- 
monly included  in  the  work  known  by  that  term. 

(8)  A Finance  Committee. 

(9)  A Nominating  Committee  of  five  or  more  members,  represent- 
ing at  least  two  of  the  denominations  federated,  to  propose  to  the  Coun- 
cil the  names  of  persons  suitable  for  officers,  from  which  names,  to- 
gether with  any  others  duly  proposed  at  the  meeting,  the  officers  shall 
be  elected;  also  to  fill  any  vacancies  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Council. 

Section  2.  Other  committees  may  be  appointed  by  the  Council  at 
its  discretion,  such  as  Bible  Study  and  Christian  Education,  Community 
Extension,  and  Boys’  Work. 


15 


ARTICLE  VII 


FINANCES 

Section  1.  The  Council  shall,  at  its  annual  meeting  and  from  time 
to  time  thereafter  as  it  may  deem  expedient,  determine  how  the  funds 
for  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  Federation,  shall  be  provided  for  and 
shall  have  authority  to  appeal  for  funds  to  benevolent  individuals  and 
churches  on  behalf  of  thefFederation  and  the  Council,  and  shall  fix  the 
appropriations  for  the  work,  which  shall  not  be  changed  nor  overdrawn 
except  by  authority  of  the  Council. 

Section  2.  No  bill  contracted  by  any  committee  shall  be  paid  by 
the  Treasurer  unless  it  shall  first  be  approved  in  writing  by  the  chair- 
man of  such  committee.  All  other  bills  shall,  before  payment,  be  ap- 
proved in  writing  by  the  chairman  of  the  Finance  Committee. 

ARTICLE  VIII 

QUORUM 

Section  1.  A quorum  at  any  meeting  of  the  Council  shall  consist 
of  seven  members,  representing  at  least  two  of  the  denominations  fed- 
erated, and  at  any  meeting  of  a committee,  a majority  of  its  members, 
but  if  any  committee  shall  consist  of  more  than  nine  members  the  quorum 
shall  be  five. 

ARTICLE  IX 

ELECTIONS 

Section  1.  All  elections  shall  be  by  ballot. 

ARTICLE  X 
amendment 

Section  1.  This  Constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  meeting  of 
the  Council  by  a two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present,  provided  that 
due  notice  of  any  proposed  amendment  shall  have  been  given  in  writing 
at  a preceding  meeting  of  the  Council,  or  shall,  upon  the  request  of 
any  five  members  of  the  Council,  representing  at  least  two  of  the  de- 
nominations federated,  have  been  inserted  in  the  notice  of  the  meeting 
at  which  the  amendment  is  to  be  acted  upon. 


The  above  models  should  be  supplemented  by  obtaining  the  Constitu- 
tions of  well-organized  States  and  Cities;  and  in  preparing  Constitu- 
tions, State  and  local  committees  are  invited  to  correspond  with  the 

16 


Secretary  of  the  Federal  Council,  who  will  endeavor  to  place  at  their 
disposal  the  experience  of  other  States  and  local  communities. 

4.  PROVISION  FOR  EXTENSION  OF  THE  WORK  OF 
THE  MEN  AND  RELIGION  FORWARD 
MOVEMENT 

While  recognizing  that  the  Men  and  Religion  Forward  Movement 
was  a definite  campaign,  to  be  limited  in  time  and  scope,  it  is  to  be  as- 
sumed that  calls  will  come  from  other  cities  and  districts  for  the  institu- 
tion of  a somewhat  similar  work.  So  far  as  men  may  be  found  available, 
the  Federal  Council  will  respond  to  invitations  to  send  out  such  men, 
singly  or  in  groups,  in  the  following  departments  of  instruction,  inspira- 
tion and  service.  Leaders  may  be  found  to  organize  the  work  per- 
manently, and  the  Council  will  co-operate  in  securing  secretaries  for 
social  service,  boys’  work  and  for  local  church  federations. 

EVANGELISM 

Through  the  Federal  Council’s  Committee  on  Evangelism,  of  which 
Rev.  William  H.  Roberts,  D.D.,  is  Chairman,  the  Council  will  respond 
to  calls  for  accredited  evangelists  when  such  calls  come  from  a Fed- 
eration of  Churches,  or  from  a Committee  representing  all  the  churches 
of  a community,  so  far  as  they  may  be  available. 

MISSION  LEADERS  AND  TEACHERS 

Through  its  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  of  which  Rev.  L.  Call 
Barnes,  D.D.,  is  Chairman,  and  its  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions, 
of  which  Rev.  James  L.  Barton,  D.D.,  is  Chairman,  the  Federal  Council 
will  endeavor,  through  co-operation  with  the  denominational  missionary 
bodies,  the  Missionary  Education  Movement,  the  Student  Volunteer 
Movement,  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  and  other  sources,  to 
supply  teachers  and  leaders  in  the  work  of  missions. 

BIBLE  STUDY 

Through  its  Committee  on  Education,  of  which  President  George 
B.  Stewart,  D.D.,  is  Chairman,  Bible  teachers  will  be  sent  out  through 
a method  of  co-operation  with  several  appropriate  agencies. 

BOYS’  WORK 

Through  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  and  other  organiza- 
tions distinctly  for  the  work  of  boys,  the  Federal  Council  will  assist 
in  supplying  instructors  and  leaders  for  inter-church  work  with  boys, 
with  special  attention  to  the  relation  of  the  boy  to  the  church  itself. 

17 


COMMUNITY  EXTENSION 

Leaders  will  be  provided  through  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Asso- 
ciation and  other  agencies  for  this  work. 

IMPORTANT  REQUIREMENTS  AND  QUALIFICATIONS 

Owing  to  its  own  definite  constitution  and  organization,  the  Federal 
Council  can  only  promise  to  assist  in  this  work  when  the  request  comes 
from  an  interdenominational  body,  or  through  interdenominational  ac- 
tion, and  those  seeking  such  help  should  be  reminded  that  the  extent  to 
which  such  work  may  be  carried  on  will  be  limited  by  the  supply  of 
men  available  for  the  service.  Moreover,  the  Federal  Council,  which 
is  distinctly  for  the  purpose  of  utilizing  agencies  already  in  existence 
and  not  of  creating  new  ones,  will  serve  to  correlate  and  extend  the 
work  of  the  various  denominational  and  interdenominational  agencies, 
which  are  recognized  by  its  constituent  bodies. 

THE  SOCIAL  SERVICE  PROGRAM 

In  this  work,  the  equipment  of  the  Federal  Council  will  be  more 
extended,  through  its  Commission  on  the  Church  and  Social  Service,  of 
which  Rev.  Frank  Mason  North,  D.D.,  is  the  Chairman. 

SOCIAL  SERVICE  TEACHERS  AND  LEADERS 

Dr.  Macfarland,  the  Secretary  of  the  Commission,  who  has  partici- 
pated in  the  campaigns  in  sixteen  cities,  will  continue  to  respond  to 
invitations  to  visit  cities  for  consultation,  conference  and  public  service, 
in  the  interest  of  this  work.  The  members  of  the  Secretarial  Cabinet  of 
the  Commission,  some  members  of  the  Commission,  pastors  and  also 
social  workers  to  be  drawn  from  the  various  national  agencies  for  social 
uplift,  may  be  found  available  for  this  work. 

SOCIAL  EVANGELISM  AND  CIVIC  REVIVAL 

Campaigns,  conferences,  and  surveys  will  be  carried  on  in  cities  and 
towns,  for  which  a complete  program  has  been  prepared  which  may  be 
obtained  on  application.  For  this  work  the  Evangelists  are  not  per- 
mitted to  receive  gifts  or  collections. 

THE  PLAN  OF  SOCIAL  WORK  OF  THE  COMMISSION 

The  National  Office  of  the  Commission,  in  association  with  the  Fed- 
eral Council,  will  be  developed  as  a CENTER  FOR  INFORMA- 

18 


TION,  INSPIRATION  AND  GUIDANCE,  in  the  social  work  of 
the  churches. 

Through  INTERDENOMINATIONAL  ACTION,  the  Com- 
mission will  bring  about  CO-ORDINATION  AND  CO-OPERA- 
TION among  the  denominations  composing  the  Federal  Council,  in- 
cluding, so  far  as  may  be  possible,  the  adoption  of  A COMMON 
PROGRAM,  the  use  of  common  literature  and  the  presentation  of 
the  united  appeal  of  the  Gospel  in  its  application  to  social  problems  and 
opportunities. 

Through  this  interdenominational  co-operation  will  come  THE 
DEVELOPMENT  of  this  aspect  of  the  work  OF  THE 
CHURCHES,  the  EDUCATION  OF  THE  MINISTRY  and  the 
churches  for  it,  and  THE  EQUIPMENT  OF  THE  CHURCHES 
for  carrying  it  forward. 

Representing  the  churches  of  the  Federal  Council,  the  Commission 
will  co-operate  with  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARIES,  so  far 
as  invited  and  permitted,  in  the  formulation  of  a policy  with  regard  to 
instruction  and  practical  training  in  this  important  subject. 

The  same  co-operation  will  obtain  with  the  various  SCHOOLS 
FOR  the  preparation  of  SOCIAL  WORKERS,  that  they,  upon  their 
side,  may  also  come  into  a proper  working  relation  with  the  Christian 
churches. 

THE  INSTRUCTION  in  Social  Science  and  Ethics  IN  OUR 
COLLEGES  AND  UNIVERSITIES,  imparted  to  young  men  and 
women  who  should  be  leaders  of  the  church  life  of  the  nation,  will  be 
the  subject  of  investigation  and  mutual  consideration,  through  confer- 
ences and  inquiry. 

The  relation  of  the  churches  to  the  multitude  of  AGENCIES  FOR 
SOCIAL  REFORM  and  betterment  is  an  important  problem,  before 
the  Commission.  Its  influence,  together  with  that  of  the  denominations 
and  churches  which  it  represents,  will  be  brought  to  co-operate,  so  far 
as  possible,  with  such  societies  and  movements,  in  relation,  especially, 
to  those  measures  which  affect  THE  MORAL  AND  SPIRITUAL 
WELFARE  OF  THE  PEOPLE.  This  will  include  such  matters 
as  Child  and  Woman  Labor,  Occupational  Disease,  Sunday  Labor, 
Seven  Days’  Labor,  the  Reduction  of  Hours,  the  Betterment  of  Wages, 
Housing  Conditions,  and  many  other  similar  causes. 

19 


The  relations  between  LOCAL  charity  ORGANIZATIONS, 
Social  Settlements  and  similar  local  work  will  be  taken  up  and  con- 
sidered from  the  viewpoint  of  the  churches  by  conference  and  inquiry. 

Our  HOME  MISSION  work  involves  many  social  problems  and 
includes  the  WORK  OF  SOCIAL  ORGANIZATION.  Indeed,  the 
churches  in  Home  Mission  fields  are  often,  if  not  generally,  the  initiators 
of  the  social  and  community  institutions.  This  work  will  be  studied, 
published,  encouraged  and  developed.  This  Commission  and  the  Home 
Mission  Committee  will  work  in  co-operation  to  this  end. 

In  the  FOREIGN  MISSION  field,  this  branch  of  Christian  service 
has  in  some  cases  developed  more  fully  than  in  our  own  land,  especially 
in  INDUSTRIAL,  MEDICAL  and  EDUCATIONAL  WORK, 
which  has  lifted  foreign  nations  to  a higher  social  level.  This  work  will 
be  made  the  subject  of  careful  research  and  continued  development,  by 
a working  relation  between  the  Commission  and  the  Committee  on 
Foreign  Missions. 

By  the  constant  issuing  of  LITERATURE  in  Leaflets  and  Hand- 
books for  serious  study,  and  the  use  of  the  religious,  daily  and  weekly 
press,  the  growing  accumulation  of  material  RELATING  TO 
SOCIAL  UPLIFT  and  social  causes  will  be  put  into  such  shape  as  to 
BE  USED  BY  THE  CHURCHES  for  education  and  incitement  to 
service. 

The  Labor  and  Trade  Journals  will  receive  bulletins  informing  in- 
dustrial workers  and  managers  of  the  deepening  interest  of  the  church 
in  their  common  problems  and  duty. 

Lists  of  Speakers,  Lecturers  and  Instructors  will  be  prepared,  and  a 
Lantern  Slide  Bureau  established  and  developed. 

The  Bureau  of  Research  will  undertake  INVESTIGATIONS 
AND  SURVEYS  in  relation  to  the  whole  social  problem,  especially 
as  it  relates  itself  to  the  duty  of  the  Christian  Church.  Bibliographies 
will  be  issued. 

The  Commission  will  co-operate,  in  its  sphere,  with  the  Field 
Secretaries  of  the  Federal  Council  and  their  associates  in  FEDERAT- 
ING THE  CHURCHES  and  will  endeavor  to  provide  its  share  of  a 
program  for  State  and  community  federations. 

Working  partly  by  direct  access,  and  partly  through  denominational 
agencies  and  State  and  local  federations,  the  work  of  LOCAL 
CHURCHES  and  communities  will  be  developed,  and  successful 

20 


endeavors  set  before  the  churches  in  general  for  emulation  and  en- 
couragement. 

The  Commission  will  confer  with  LABOR  REPRESENTATIVES 
and  will  send  its  delegates  to  their  gatherings. 

Similarly  it  will  confer  with  Groups  of  BUSINESS  MEN  and 
send  delegates  to  their  gatherings. 

It  will  confer  in  joint  meetings  of  both  of  these  elements  in  modern 
industry  and  issue  its  challenge  to  both  of  them  to  unite  with  the  church 
in  a common  service. 

INVESTIGATIONS  will  be  made  IN  various  large  and  important 
INDUSTRIES,  similar  to  the  investigation  of  the  steel  industry  by  a 
special  committee  of  the  Commission  in  1910.  Similar  investigations  in 
local  communities  will  be  made  through  pastors  and  other  local  agents. 

A nation-wide  CAMPAIGN  will  be  carried  on,  endeavoring  to  cover 
all  the  States  of  the  Union,  FOR  ONE-DAY-IN-SEVEN  FOR 
INDUSTRIAL  WORKERS. 

The  Commission  will  continue  to  preserve  and  increase  the  observ- 
ance of  LABOR  SUNDAY  in  the  pulpits  and  by  the  churches  of  the 
nation. 

Co-operation  in  the  work  of  FORWARD  MOVEMENTS  IN 
PERPETUATION  OF  THEIR  SOCIAL  RESULTS  will  be 
carried  out,  in  association  with  the  Field  Secretaries  of  the  Federal  Coun- 
cil in  their  work  of  community  federation  for  the  same  purpose. 

While  all  the  departments  of  its  program  should  relate  equally,  so  far 
as  applicable,  not  only  to  cities,  but  to  suburban  and  rural  communities, 
it  is  necessary  to  recognize  that,  in  many  ways,  RURAL  BETTER- 
MENT has  its  own  peculiar  problems.  The  Commission  will  help  to 
co-ordinate  those  churches  and  religious  agencies  which  offer  leadership 
in  this  work.  It  will  endeavor  to  provide  a clearing-house  of  biblio- 
graphic lists  for  the  aid  of  rural  helpers,  instruction  as  to  social  surveys 
by  local  churches,  programs  for  community  service  for  country  and 
rural  churches,  and  a bureau  of  public  service,  relating  to  all  rural 
studies,  methods  and  problems. 

In  addition  to  these  efforts,  the  Commission  will  stand  ready  to  take 
up  ANY  SPECIAL  TASK  that  may  seem  to  fall  to  its  lot. 

While  at  some  points,  its  action  will  need  to  be  direct  and  immediate, 
its  chief  purpose  is  to  work  through  and  for  the  denominational  bodies 
and  to  place  itself  at  the  service  of  their  agencies.  Therefore,  the  Com- 
mission will  endeavor,  at  every  possible  point,  to  bring  about  its  ends 

21 


through  interdenominational  co-operation  in  this  work  which  is  common 
for  all  the  churches. 

COUNTRY  LIFE  AND  RURAL  BETTERMENT 

In  addition  to  the  specific  interest  in  this  work  on  the  part  of  the 
Commission  on  the  Church  and  Social  Service,  the  Federal  Council  is 
bringing  about  co-operation  with  the  various  denominational  departments 
of  country  life  and  other  similar  agencies,  through  which  arrangements 
may  be  made  for  Surveys,  Conferences,  Consultation,  and  for  the  gen- 
eral guidance  and  development  of  work  in  rural  communities. 

Local  interdenominational  bodies  or  committees  are  invited  to  corre- 
spond with  the  Secretary  of  the  Federal  Council  in  relation  to  this 
work. 

THE  COMMISSION  ON  PEACE  AND  ARBITRATION 

One  of  the  most  important  movements  on  the  part  of  the  churches  is 
that  represented  by  the  Federal  Council  Commission  on  Peace  and  Arbi- 
tration, which  is  made  up  of  a group  of  the  strongest  leaders  in  the 
nation  in  this  interest,  Rev.  J.  B.  Remensnyder,  D.D.,  being  Chairman 
and  Rev.  Frederick  Lynch,  Secretary.  During  the  coming  year,  this 
Commission  proposes  to  develop  an  extensive  work  and  to  send  out 
speakers  upon  this  theme  of  world-wide  Christian  interest. 

LOCAL  ORGANIZATIONS 

All  local  federations,  committees  and  organizations  are  invited  to 
report  to  the  office  of  the  Federal  Council  their  plans  for  interdenomina- 
tional work  in  the  conservation  of  the  Men  and  Religion  Forward 
Movement,  so  that  the  Federal  Council  may  have  such  material  to  use 
in  answer  to  requests  on  the  part  of  one  local  committee  for  informa- 
tion as  to  what  the  others  are  doing. 

THE  SECOND  QUADRENNIAL  OF  THE  FEDERAL 
COUNCIL,  CHICAGO,  DECEMBER  4-10,  1912 

For  the  Second  Quadrennial,  conferences  are  being  arranged  in  rela- 
tion to  all  of  these  departments  of  work,  and  it  is  proposed  to  arrange 
one  of  these  conferences  to  consider  the  work  of  the  Men  and  Religion 
Forward  Movement  as  a whole.  The  program  for  the  Quadrennial  is 
being  arranged  by  the  Corresponding  Secretary,  Rev.  E.  B.  Sanford,  D.D., 
to  whom  inquiries  should  be  addressed,  regarding  this  second  gathering 
of  the  Protestant  Evangelical  churches  of  the  nation. 

22 


THE  RELATION  BETWEEN  THE  MEN  AND  RELIGION 
FORWARD  MOVEMENT  AND  THE  FEDERAL 
COUNCIL 

The  Federal  Council  has  watched  with  deep  interest  the  Men  and 
Religion  Forward  Movement,  mainly  because  that  movement  is  an 
immediate  example  of  what  the  Federal  Council  has  been  attempting 
to  do  by  a continuous  process.  There  is  not  only  a sympathetic  unity 
but  an  essential  identity  of  the  aims  and  efforts  of  the  Movement  with 
those  of  the  Council. 

One  of  the  first  tasks  should  be  that  of  arranging  for  co-operation 
between  the  various  interdenominational  organizations  which  have  par- 
ticipated in  the  Movement. 

This  campaign  has  greatly  increased  the  opportunities  of  the  Federal 
Council  by  creating  objectives  and  developing  forms  of  service  which 
can  only  be  met  by  federative  action. 

The  Council’s  work  of  co-ordination  has  been  increased  in  relation 
to  the  local  Federations  by  the  inspiring  and  inciting  of  an  immense 
amount  of  associated  work  which  calls  for  such  co-ordination  and  co- 
operation. 

Moreover,  it  is  to  be  remembered  that  from  the  very  beginning  we 
have  been  reminded  that  this  was  a work  of  the  churches,  for  the 
churches,  by  the  churches,  and  that  at  the  end  of  the  campaign  it  should 
go  back  into  the  churches.  Therefore,  the  Federal  Council  feels  under 
the  deepest  obligation  to  do  its  part  in  the  conservation  of  the  results 
which  have  been  obtained  and  invites  the  fullest  co-operation  upon  the 
part  of  those  in  local  communities  who  are  responsible  for  the  permanent 
effect  of  the  campaign.  The  extent  of  the  conservation  of  results  must 
depend  on  the  vitality  of  the  local  movement.  The  possibilities  of  con- 
servation depend  upon  how  much  there  is  to  be  conserved. 

It  is  to  be  remembered  that  the  extent  to  which  the  Federal  Council 
may  bring  its  forces  to  bear  on  local  communities  is  necessarily  limited, 
especially  with  regard  to  the  men  who  may  be  found  available  for  this 
service.  Every  effort  will  be  made,  however,  to  enlist  the  services  of 
highly  accredited  leaders,  to  be  sent  out  to  advise  and  consult  with  lead- 
ers in  local  communities. 

The  task  of  the  moment  is  not  so  much  that  of  considering  the  Move- 
ment itself,  but  of  using  the  forces  which  it  has  set  in  operation,  for 
the  sake  of  the  churches  of  the  nation  whose  corporate  service  is  rendered 
through  and  whose  common  expression  is  voiced  by  the  Federal  Council 
of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America. 

23 


MINUTES  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  OF  THE  JOINT  COMMITTEE  REPORTING 
TO  THE  MEN  AND  RELIGION  CONSERVATION  CONGRESS,  APRIL  25, 
HELD  AT  THE  HOTEL  ASTOR,  NEW  YORK 


Upon  the  recommendation  and  request  of  the  Joint  Committee  representing  organiza- 
tions reporting  to  the  Christian  Conservation  Congress  of  the  Men  and  Religion  Forward 
Movement,  a Conference,  arranged  by  C.  R.  Joy,  was  held  at  the  Hotel  Astor,  Thursday, 
April  2 5,  at  8 a.  m.  The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  Bishop  E.  R.  Hendrix  and 
Rev.  Charles  S.  Macfarland  was  elected  Secretary. 


The  representatives  were  as  follows: 

The  Brotherhoods 

The  Federal  Council  of  the 

Churches  of  Christ  in  America.., 
The  Sunday  School  Council  of  the 

Evangelical  Denominations 

The  International  Sunday  School 

Association  

The  International  Committee  of  the. 
Young  Men’s  Christian  Associa., 
tions  of  North  America 

Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement.... 
Missionary  Education  Movement.... 
Young  People’s  Societies 


Ernest  E.  Elliott 
f E.  R.  Hendrix 
1 Charles  S.  Macfarland 

Henry  H.  Meyer 

W.  C.  Pearce 

j Fred  B.  Shipp 
I Clarence  A.  Barbour 

! E.  W.  Halford 
1 William  B.  Millar 
Harry  Wade  Hicks 
Howard  B.  Grose 


A resolution,  passed  by  the  Joint  Committee  of  the  Men  and  Religion  Forward 
Movement,  was  presented  by  the  Secretary  of  that  Committee,  Harry  Wade  Hicks,  re- 
ferring to  this  Conference  the  action  of  that  Committee  requesting  the  Federal  Council 
to  call  and  arrange  a conference  of  representatives  of  the  organizations  reporting  to 
the  Chiistian  Conservation  Congress  of  the  Men  and  Religion  Forward  Movement,  and 
stating  that  the  matters  referred  to  said  Joint  Committee  had  been,  in  turn,  referred 
to  this  Conference. 


It  was 

VOTED,  that  the  various  organizations  should  arrange  for  the  interchange  of  lit- 
erature for  the  purpose  of  acquainting  each  with  the  plans  and  work  of  the  others,  and 
the  Secretary  was  authorized  to  notify  each  organization  of  this  action. 


After  full  discussion,  it  was 
VOTED,  that  this  Conference  approves 

I.  The  plan  of  holding,  during  the  summer  of  1912,  a Conference  of  the  Executive 
Secretaries,  Superintendents  and  other  representatives  of  the  following  organiza- 
tions : 

Laymen’s  Missionary  Movements 
Missionary  Education  Movement 

Sunday  School  Council  of  the  Evangelical  Denominations 
The  International  Committee  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Associations 
of  North  America 

The  International  Sunday  School  Association 
The  Denominational  Brotherhoods 
The  Gideons 

The  Young  People’s  Societies 


2.  That  to  this  Conference  be  referred  the  matter  of  holding  a later  and  much  larger 

representative  Conference,  regarding  the  interests  involved. 

3.  That  this  Conference  requests  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in 

America  to  act  as  the  clearing-house  in  calling  the  proposed  Conference. 

It  was 

VOTED,  that  the  Secretary  should  endeavor  to  arrange  the  Conference  for  June 
19  and  20,  1912,  at  Silver  Bay. 


It  was 

VOTED,  that  the  Office  of  the  Men  and  Religion  Forward  Movement  be  requested 
to  place  at  the  disposal  of  the  Secretary  such  information  and  material  as  would  assist 
in  the  consummation  of  these  plans. 

It  was 

VOTED,  that  a Committee  on  Arrangements  and  Program  consist  of  Charles  S. 
Macfarland,  Clarence  A.  Barbour  and  Harry  Wade  Hicks. 

VOTED,  to  adjourn. 

After  prayer  by  Bishop  Hendrix,  the  Conference  adjourned  sine  die. 

(Signed)  CHARLES  S.  MACFARLAND,  Secretary. 

24 


* 


LITERATURE  ISSUED  BY  THE  FEDERAL  COUNCIL  OF 
THE  CHURCHES  OF  CHRIST  IN  AMERICA 

( Free  on  application,  except  where  otherwise  specified) 

Church  Federation,  Report  of  the  Carnegie  Hall,  New  York,  Meet- 
ing, 1905.  691  pp.  E.  B.  Sanford,  D.D.,  editor.  $1.25,  postpaid. 
Federal  Council  of  the  Churches.  Report  of  Philadelphia  Meeting, 
1908.  578  pp.  E.  B.  Sanford,  D.D.,  editor.  $1.25,  postpaid. 
First  Annual  Report  of  the  Federal  Council,  1909. 

Second  Annual  Report  of  the  Federal  Council,  1910. 

Third  Annual  Report  of  the  Federal  Council,  1911. 

Co-operative  Advance  in  Home  Missions. 

An  Appeal  to  the  Churches  of  the  United  States  in  Behalf  of  the 
Family. 

Western  Neglected  Fields,  and  the  Home  Missions  Council. 

Christian  Unity  in  Fact  and  Practice,  * 


H 


Social  Service  Literature 


The  Church  and  Modern  Industry.  > 

The  Church’s  Appeal  in  Behalf  of  Labor. 

Report  of  Investigation  in  the  Steel  Industry. 

Suggestions  for  Labor  Sunday. 

A Plan  of  Interdenominational  Social  Work, 

A Program  for  Labor  Sunday.  v !} 

Report  on  Industrial  Situation  at  Muscatine,  Iowa. 

Social  Service  Recommendations  in  a local  Men  and  Religion  Forward 
Movement  Campaign. 

The  Social  Evangelism  and  the  Civic  Revival. 


The  Christian  Ministry  and  the  Social  Order,  Edited  by  Dr.  Macfar- 
land.  Price  $1.25.  Published  by  the  Yale  University  Press. 
Spiritual  Culture  and  Social  Service.  By  Dr,  Macfarland.  Price,  $1.00. 
Published  by  Revell. 

The  Peace  Problem.  By  Mr.  Lynch.  Price  $.75.  Published  by  Revell. 
A Social  Survey  for  Rural  Communities  has  been  published  by 
G.  Frederick  Wells,  Assistant  to  the  Executive  Secretary. 

Mr.  Wells  has  also  provided  community  programs  for  country 
churches,  bibliographies  and  other  similar  material  relating  to  one  of 
the  most  important  problems  which  face  the  Federal  Council,  namely, 
that  of  the  Country  Church, 

5th  edition,  6-n,  191a. 


